Ethiopia Set to Introduce New Passport and Visa System by End of the Month











Ethiopia is set to officially introduce a new passport and visa system by the end of the current Ethiopian month, Yekatit 2017 (February 2025), according to the Immigration and Citizenship Service. The revised passport, designed with advanced security features and enhanced aesthetics, will replace the existing version, while the visa system will also undergo a major transformation.

This announcement was made during an inspection visit by the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of People’s Representatives to the Immigration and Citizenship Service headquarters.

A Modernized Passport with Enhanced Features

The newly designed passport is said to be significantly superior to the current one in terms of color, design, content, and security. The internal pages of the passport will feature cultural and historical landmarks from Ethiopia, including Aksum, Gondar, the Great Wall of Jegol, coffee production, and other national heritage sites.

Alongside the passport update, Ethiopia will also introduce a new visa sticker and an electronic visa system. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed the diplomatic community about these changes, emphasizing that Ethiopia’s visa process has been fully digitized, replacing the old handwritten system.

Transition to Digital and Biometric Security

According to Deputy Director Ato Biki, the previous system, where visas were issued manually, had security loopholes. The new system ensures that all residency permits, visas, and passports will be processed digitally, enhancing security and efficiency.

A significant change in the travel documentation process is the introduction of fully biometric data registration for emergency travel documents. Previously, these documents were issued on paper, allowing certain foreign nationals, including Eritreans, to claim refugee status and exit the country more easily. The new system aims to eliminate fraud and increase accountability.

Improved Security for Ethiopian Passports

Officials highlighted that the old laminated passport design had vulnerabilities, making it easier to forge. There have been reports of Ethiopian passport booklets being illegally copied and distributed in Uganda and Somaliland. The new electronic passport, featuring biometric security, will make counterfeiting nearly impossible.

Another key change is the localization of passport production. Previously, Ethiopian passports were printed abroad without direct government oversight. The new passports will be designed, produced, and controlled domestically, ensuring stricter security and national oversight.

New Passport Fees and Expedited Processing

The Immigration and Citizenship Service recently revised its pricing structure for passport issuance. Standard processing will cost 5,000 ETB, while an expedited passport available in two days will cost 25,000 ETB. A five-day expedited service will be priced at 20,000 ETB. Fees for lost or damaged passports range from 13,000 ETB to 40,000 ETB, depending on the case.

With the implementation of these changes, Ethiopia aims to modernize its immigration services, enhance national security, and improve the efficiency of passport and visa processing. The new system is expected to officially roll out by the end of Yekatit 2017 (February 2025), with the old passport remaining valid until Sene 2017 (July 2025).











8 COMMENTS

Fekadu Beyene







February 16, 2025 At 9:20 pm













The old passport should be valid until its expiry date. Orherwise, a person who renewed his/her passport two months ago will be forced to apply for the new passport in July. This will create a lot of crowd in the provision of service and making it more expensive if one has to get it urgently. If the government is ready to print it faster domestically, it may workout.



















Abiyatar Assefa







February 18, 2025 At 2:56 pm













It is definitely True!

First I would like to appreciate the Government body behind this system !

My comment is, There must be another way for such cases.

1. 2000 birr must be compensated

2. Peoples with such case should be get in to considerations with for example, getting priority for passport processes and on time delivery,

3. Person who have flight schedules with in the time of system change should be considered

Finally I hope things would be settled peacefully and promptly!

The old passport should be valid until its expiry date. Orherwise, a person who renewed his/her passport two months ago will be forced to apply for the new passport in July. This will create a lot of crowd in the provision of service and making it more expensive if one has to get it urgently. If the government is ready to print it faster domestically, it may workout.

Abiyatar Assefa







February 18, 2025 At 2:56 pm













It is definitely True!

First I would like to appreciate the Government body behind this system !

My comment is, There must be another way for such cases.

1. 2000 birr must be compensated

2. Peoples with such case should be get in to considerations with for example, getting priority for passport processes and on time delivery,

3. Person who have flight schedules with in the time of system change should be considered

Finally I hope things would be settled peacefully and promptly!

It is definitely True!

First I would like to appreciate the Government body behind this system !

My comment is, There must be another way for such cases.

1. 2000 birr must be compensated

2. Peoples with such case should be get in to considerations with for example, getting priority for passport processes and on time delivery,

3. Person who have flight schedules with in the time of system change should be considered

Finally I hope things would be settled peacefully and promptly!

Yes







February 17, 2025 At 7:53 am













New way of collecting money from the people

New way of collecting money from the people

Nuredin Kedir







February 17, 2025 At 11:40 am













Modernised passport and electronic visa is the best way for all Ethiopians citizen. I hope that all Ethiopian ?? citizen will have this passport.

Modernised passport and electronic visa is the best way for all Ethiopians citizen. I hope that all Ethiopian ?? citizen will have this passport.

Teddy







February 18, 2025 At 9:21 am













Considering the current economical environment; the first comment by Fekadu Beyene is logical and should be considered. Those who have recently renewed their passport should be exempted from having to change it.

The initiative to upgrade the passport is a good idea since it lacks strong security measures.

Considering the current economical environment; the first comment by Fekadu Beyene is logical and should be considered. Those who have recently renewed their passport should be exempted from having to change it.

The initiative to upgrade the passport is a good idea since it lacks strong security measures.

Emu







February 21, 2025 At 3:37 pm













I recently renewed my passport urgently(5days) like 2weeks back. Does it mean I also have to renew again for this one?Paying 20k again is unfair..!!



















Addis Insight







February 22, 2025 At 12:31 pm













No

I recently renewed my passport urgently(5days) like 2weeks back. Does it mean I also have to renew again for this one?Paying 20k again is unfair..!!

Addis Insight







February 22, 2025 At 12:31 pm













No

No

Ethiopia Introduces New E-Passport in 2025







February 28, 2025 At 12:59 am













[…] Ethiopia has reformed its visa issuance process by introducing a fully digitized system. This replaces the previous manual, handwritten method, addressing security vulnerabilities and […]

[…] Ethiopia has reformed its visa issuance process by introducing a fully digitized system. This replaces the previous manual, handwritten method, addressing security vulnerabilities and […]

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